Visiting Athens, the European Union’s Commissioner for Economic Affairs has reported ‘good progress’ as he reviews Greece’s efforts to implement labour and pension reforms required as part of its international bailout.

Point of view

Our lives have been turned upside down

Athens resident

Pierre Moscovici, who held talks with Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras on Monday, said a favourable review should lead the way to the debt relief talks the leftist-led government in Greece is seeking.

“What I hope is that, trying to find a compromise and in the spirit of progress for Greece and for the eurozone, we can reach a staff level agreement before the end of this week so that we can have a successful Eurogroup on December 5, opening the way to what I am looking for – a package deal, a global agreement,” Moscovici told reporters.

Our correspondent in Athens, Stamatis Giannisis, said: “The Greek government has been resting its hopes on debt relief that could come about after hard political bargaining with its lenders. But even if they get it, the benefits will be little felt by the Greek people who will continue to live in austerity.”